What is a Pediatric Rheumatologist?

Page Content

Article Body

If your child has complaints of pain in the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, bones, or tendons), other symptoms of arthritis, or an autoimmune disorder, your pediatrician may recommend a pediatric rheumatologist.

What Kind of Training Do Pediatric Rheumatologists Have?

Pediatric rheumatologists are medical doctors who have had

At least 4 years of medical school

Three additional years of general pediatric residency training

Three years of fellowship training exclusively with child and adolescent conditions and illnesses that affect the joints, muscles, bones, or other connective tissues throughout the body

Board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and pediatric rheumatology

What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Rheumatologists Provide?

A pediatric rheumatologist works with a pediatrician or family physician to evaluate and treat a variety of joint, muscle, and bone disorders, including the following:

Unexplained symptoms such as a rash, anemia, weight loss, or joint swelling

Possible inflammatory disease

Pediatric rheumatologists may interact with other subspecialists (ie, pediatric ophthalmologists, orthopedists, surgeons, or nephrologists), or rehabilitation professionals (ie, physical, occupational, or expressive therapists), as well as social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and/or orthotists.

Where Can I Find A Pediatric Rheumatologist?

Pediatric rheumatologists practice in a variety of medical settings including children’s hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals.

Pediatric Rheumatologists – The Best Care For Children

Children are not just small adults. Their bodies are growing and have unique medical needs. They usually express their concerns differently than adults. They cannot always answer medical questions and are not always able to be patient and cooperative. Pediatric rheumatologists know how to examine a child and understand how to gain the child’s confidence and cooperation to the best of the child’s developmental abilities.

If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric rheumatologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible care.

To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist in your area, click here.

Last Updated

11/21/2015

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.